Lee Bullen was left disappointed after the Under-21s’ 3-0 defeat to Sheffield United.
An experienced Blades side emerged victorious after goals from Stefan Scougall, Joel Coustrain and Ben Davies sealed the win.
The Owls coach said: “We had one or two half chances that flashed across goal.
“But they took their chances when they came and we didn't.
"Their goalkeeper pulled off two or three great blocks early doors. He kept them in it for the first 15 to 20 minutes and we could have been two or three goals up.
“But when you don’t take your chances, eventually a team will get a foothold in the game and they were the team in the ascendancy."
He added: “It was a very strong United side, who had a lot of first team experience and we found it hard to get a foothold in the game.
“On a positive note, Stevie May and Jacques Maghoma stored 90 minutes under their belts and I thought they came through the game well.”